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In expert analysis, Fin Smith has shown why he deserves the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus the All Blacks this weekend.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive performance we have seen from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach by consistently making his tackles versus a physical Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of skill and control, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed to plan in the first half.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His ability to calm the squad tactically and make big calls is something he has truly mastered.

From my perspective, Fin Smith represents England's number one fly-half and deserves to begin against the All Blacks next week.

I believe the manager Steve Borthwick sees it that way too, because Fin has demonstrated he can perform in big international games.

Team Selection Amid Rivalry

George Ford began the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour to South America.

However, the national team's showing versus the Pacific Islanders represented a marked step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians were.

Fiji, by contrast, were much more threatening while offering a much more difficult test.

Long-term Potential

Fin Smith is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong position as a player.

Marcus Smith must also be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career while beginning to find his feet, but he also needs the freedom to show his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced Damian McKenzie, who scored the match-winning try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament or not.

McKenzie watches the match unfold while substituted and thinks regarding ways he can make a difference when he comes on.

His choices and mistake frequency have improved significantly since his early career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be that kind of impactful player, then having him among substitutes could be beneficial.

Nonetheless, currently I believe Marcus represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still up for grabs.

The All Blacks are likely to punt to challenge the English defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense while regarding of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Marcus functions as full-back in top-tier rugby.

I struggle to see the advantage fielding him in that position.

I want the ball under his control as much as possible, but I believe that should be among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous similarities between Ford with Smith.

Fin has the ability executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits that can be coach.

I recall when he got the ball at one stage within his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking that wins titles and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure during intensity to organise the players nearby, while recognizing that he doesn't always need to be the first option.

I want to see him given the opportunity to show this at elite level next week, just as we have seen George Ford do, especially at club level repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult circumstances, previously you could argue there have been times he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system when you have someone aggressive in the fly-half position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous considerations occurring privately, however the management decide to go, this will present New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the narrative against the All Blacks, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

This time, either playmaker they choose can put New Zealand under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress away from England.